CAR/Justice: Abdoulaye Hissene, A Top Seleka Warlord On Trial In Five Cases

BANGUI [LNC] – The trial for Hissene which was scheduled to begin this morning at the BanguiCourt of Appeal, has been somewhat slow off the mark. A false start for a prosecution case poorly designed. What made the day of the defence counsel, taking the opportunity to highlight clear failings in the investigation. At least the president of the Court had no choice but to adjourn the session sine die.

The Centrafrican justice demonstrated some degree of amateurism and improvisation handling the prosecution case against Abdoulaye Hissene; a former Minister of Youth and Sports during the political transition, but first and foremost, being and remaining a top Seleka coalition’s dread war Lord.

Hissene was prosecuted alike 15 other co-accused for criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and war ammunitions, attacking internal state security and rebellion.

But, and very but, as the defendant Mr Hissene will not be there to face the Court, he must be judged in absentia. As soon as the morning’s bail hearing opened that it was suspended for procedural errors.

More, the situation has not improved, quite the contrary, because 3 of the 15 defendants were immediately released; due to absence of elements of a crime. So their cases have been dismissed. What was the consequence of the pressure exerted by the defense counsel, who succeeded by pointing out a load of errors within the background check. This filibuster paid.

Accordingly, all people involved is on hold pending the decision to be taken by the President of the Tribunal: a commencement of the trial on tomorrow, or completely postponed to an appropriate later date.

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